HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4002
As Reported by House Committee On:
Community & Economic Development
Brief Description: Supporting the Jones Act.
Sponsors: Representatives Berry, Hoff, Ryu, Sells, Valdez, Graham, Klicker, Macri, Santos, Pollet and Frame.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community & Economic Development: 1/19/22, 1/21/22 [DP].
Brief Summary of Joint Memorial
  • Affirms the Legislature's support for the Jones Act (Act) and celebrates the Act's centennial anniversary. 
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 11 members:Representatives Ryu, Chair; Paul, Vice Chair; Boehnke, Ranking Minority Member; Chase, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Corry, Donaghy, Frame, Johnson, J., Rule, Sutherland and Taylor.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by 1 member:Representative Jacobsen.
Minority Report: Without recommendation.Signed by 1 member:Representative Kraft.
Staff: Phillip Craig (786-7291).
Background:

Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act (Act), regulates the transportation of merchandise by water between two points in the United States.  The Act requires that cargo shipped between United States ports is shipped solely aboard vessels that are built in the United States, registered in the United States, owned by United States citizens, and operated by Americans.  The stated objective of the Act is to encourage and aid in the development and maintenance of a merchant marine sufficient to carry out United States commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.  The Act is named after Senator Wesley Jones, a United States Senator from Washington state, who introduced the legislation in 1920.  
Summary of Bill:

The Legislature affirms its support for the Act and celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Act.  The Legislature resolves that copies of the House Joint Memorial are immediately transmitted to the United States Senators and Representatives elected by the citizens of Washington state. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) By ensuring that American crews operate American-built vessels, the Jones Act (Act) keeps maritime work in Washington.  The Act supports over 20,000 jobs in Washington and 650,000 jobs nationwide.  Washington mariners and shipbuilders have access to high paying jobs so they can support their families and local communities.  If there were more acts like the Jones Act, there would be more Americans working.


The Act serves as a foundation for maritime businesses in Washington.  Locally headquartered maritime businesses that serve the Puget Sound continue to grow while investing in the next generation of Washington's mariners and shipbuilders.


The Act supports and enhances the United States economy and supply chains, United States military, and homeland security.  Having tonnage available in times of need is essential for moving supplies and carrying out other functions.


All commodities should be moved by United States flagged vessels because tow boats and barges are the safest, most economical, and most green way to move cargo around the United States because the vessels are flagged in the United States, they use United States safety regulations, United States labor regulations, and are operated by United States mariners.


In addition to maritime functions, the Act also supports all of the auxiliary maritime items, such as fuel, food, stores, longshore workers, rail workers, truck workers, and more.


(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Liz Berry, prime sponsor; Jim Peschel, Vane Brothers and American Waterway Operators; Harry Thompson, Puget Sound Metal Trades Council; Sloane Perras, Foss Maritime; and J. Lars Turner, Masters, Mates and Pilots, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.